[Effect of Aloe vera gel on TGF- beta gene expression in incisional skin wound in BALB/c mice]

ABSTRACT

Aloe vera [Aloe barbadensis M.] as a medicinal herb is practiced in wound healing. This study was carried out to assess the effect of Aloe vera gel [mucilage] on TGF- beta gene expression in incisional skin wound in BALB/c mice. In this experimental study, 36 BALB/c male mice with weight range 22 +/- 2 gr were allocated equally into negative control [no wound], sham-operated [wound treated with physiological serum] and teratment [wound treated with Aloe vera gel]. Two equal full-thickness skin wounds of 10 +/- 2mm were made on either side of the vertebral column in the sacral region. The animals in the teratment group were received daily, 2 gram of Aloe vera gel [without any bandage] as a thin layer for a period of 16 days. On 8th and 16th post wounding day, TGF- beta gene expression in incisional wounds and Malonyldialdehyde [as end-product of lipid peroxidation] in serum samples was measured using RT-PCR and spectrophotometry methods, respectively. TGF- beta gene expression in incisional skin wound increased in Aloe vera gel treated group in compared to negative control and sham-operated groups [P<0.05]. Malonyldialdehyde concentration was significantly reduced in Aloe vera treated group in comparision with negative control and sham-operated groups. Aloe vera gel can induce growth factor TGF- beta gene expression and reducing the lipid peroxidation content can play an important role in incisional skin wound healing process